The middle of last week had temps into the low 80's here. I was dreaming of shopping for summer clothes, getting ready to drag out some shorts, and starting my annual dilemma of "to tan or not to tan". For the past 3 days its been gray, drizzly, and hovering in the low 40's. Apparently we had a little sleet early this morning. So crazy.
Last night we watched another round of "To Catch a Predator" on Dateline. I swear, I am going to have to stop watching it. I get so angry that I can barely see straight.
To see a never-ending stream of men showing up with the intent to have sex with a minor just makes me enraged. These men are religious leaders, school teachers, and worst of all (to me) fathers. What the hell is wrong with these people?
Some of their (pathetic) excuses for their behavior:
-I was lonely. (go join a club or at least hang out at a sleazy bar and pick up women your own age, loser)
-I'm not a predator since this is the first time I ever did this. (well, predator doesn't have some inherent implication of multiple times, AND this piece of human garbage had an arrest record for the same thing, so he is also a liar.)
-I figured it was my best chance of clean sex. (?? What the hell is wrong with you!!??)
-I wasn't gonna do nuthin' (although you showed up with condoms...a full brand new box still in the paper bag from the drug store....).
I felt like I was going to explode with rage. All of these guys got jail time, but I would be tempted to give them a choice:
Life sentence away from society OR their choice of a death sentence. Harsh, I know, but society would be so much better off without these sick bastards running around. We have "zero tolerance" for kids who bring a knife to school in their lunch box, or ibuprofen for illness....but child molesters get a couple of years in jail and then are set free? How is that even remotely right? Ok, yeah, I gotta stop talking/thinking/writing about this or my blood pressure is going to be through the roof. I have zero tolerance for anybody who would willingly and knowingly harm a child.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Thank Jesus for Steam Cleaners
We have kept a home-type steam cleaner on hand for years. When you have pets, I don't see how you could live without one. When our old one gave up the ghost, we went out and bought another one pretty quickly. And while its true that the cats are much cleaner and I have needed it a whole lot less than when the dogs were running around the house, still....an occasional disaster just requires a steam cleaner. Jesus gave us steam cleaners as soon as man domesticated animals into pets. I am sure of it.
Thursday afternoon, I got home from work and spotted one of those disasters right away. The cats have been having a blast in their new outdoor enclosure, and they eat grass outside. Somebody had puked right in the middle of the hall, a huge brownish green puddle sitting on the carpet. Why does puke or poop or pee never seem to happen discreetly behind a chair? Why is it always smack in the middle of the floor? I tackled it with carpet cleaner, with pet enzyme cleaner and I felt like it was going to be ok. When I got up yesterday morning and could still kind of see where the spot had been I tried to convince myself that it was only because it was still damp from all the cleaning. Surely with another day of drying it would disappear.
No such luck. It was still visible this morning. Bone dry and I could still tell distinctly where it was. Time to drag out the steam cleaner. And now, after running practically a whole entire tank over a small 2 foot by 2 foot square, I think its gone. When I couldn't tell exactly where I was supposed to be cleaning, I declared it good enough.....hopefully when it dries it will stay gone....
Thursday afternoon, I got home from work and spotted one of those disasters right away. The cats have been having a blast in their new outdoor enclosure, and they eat grass outside. Somebody had puked right in the middle of the hall, a huge brownish green puddle sitting on the carpet. Why does puke or poop or pee never seem to happen discreetly behind a chair? Why is it always smack in the middle of the floor? I tackled it with carpet cleaner, with pet enzyme cleaner and I felt like it was going to be ok. When I got up yesterday morning and could still kind of see where the spot had been I tried to convince myself that it was only because it was still damp from all the cleaning. Surely with another day of drying it would disappear.
No such luck. It was still visible this morning. Bone dry and I could still tell distinctly where it was. Time to drag out the steam cleaner. And now, after running practically a whole entire tank over a small 2 foot by 2 foot square, I think its gone. When I couldn't tell exactly where I was supposed to be cleaning, I declared it good enough.....hopefully when it dries it will stay gone....
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
I love this
see more Lolcats and funny pictures,
It makes me miss my goats! Don't you just love how the dog in the background is all cool about it like having goats tromp all over you is completely normal? LOL!
Feeling Lucky
So, not only have we booked tickets to visit Stephen and Hannia in May, AND gotten leave approved for those days off work (you can't even imagine how much of a miracle that is right now...), but the lucky streak just keeps going. Now Erica is going to be able to join us AND she is on the same (second leg) of our flight both coming and going. All of that makes me one happy Mama. Its really special whenever we get the chance to have all 5 of us together in one place at one time. Christmas was great, but I ended up not having any time off of work. This helps make up for it though.
One not so lucky thing is that for some reason I am having the darndest time trying to sleep here lately. Mostly just in the past week or so. Maybe since the time change, so I keep thinking that I just haven't fully adjusted to that yet. You would think its time to get adjusted though. Its just weird for me because I rarely have insomnia. Sleeping is one of my best talents. And right now, even when I do finally fall asleep I am having strange, vivid dreams. Not necessarily bad but the kind you wake up tired from like you had to work all night long. Nothing is bothering me. I'm not particularly worried about anything or stressed out or sick or in pain. Its probably just the time change. And surely this too shall pass. I am way too talented at the sleeping thing for this to go on for too long. Really!
We had a consult yesterday with a new team of pet sitters. We have used the same people for at least 10 years. But this time, during our trip to visit the kids, our regular sitters are off on their own (much deserved) vacation. I did a google search and found another sitter who lives really close by. And they seem to have a thriving business with over 150 clients that they sit for. Seriously, whenever I think of walking dogs and playing with animals all day versus my own job, it gives me pause. Why didn't I think of that first???? So anyway, Heather, the owner, came by to meet the cats and check out the routine and locations of food/litter/water and stuff. I was really impressed. The main thing was that even Vixen, our most skittish cat seemed to like her. Vixen tends to run and hide whenever somebody new comes over. Sometimes she finds any disruption of her daily routine a good reason to hide under a bed for hours....for months when we brought Samantha and her new kittens into the household. But she let Heather bend down and pet her, and Vixen stayed fairly calm and chilled out like it was no big deal....so....yeah. I feel pretty good about that. I think this is going to work out well. Plus, it never hurts to have plenty of options when you have pets.
One not so lucky thing is that for some reason I am having the darndest time trying to sleep here lately. Mostly just in the past week or so. Maybe since the time change, so I keep thinking that I just haven't fully adjusted to that yet. You would think its time to get adjusted though. Its just weird for me because I rarely have insomnia. Sleeping is one of my best talents. And right now, even when I do finally fall asleep I am having strange, vivid dreams. Not necessarily bad but the kind you wake up tired from like you had to work all night long. Nothing is bothering me. I'm not particularly worried about anything or stressed out or sick or in pain. Its probably just the time change. And surely this too shall pass. I am way too talented at the sleeping thing for this to go on for too long. Really!
We had a consult yesterday with a new team of pet sitters. We have used the same people for at least 10 years. But this time, during our trip to visit the kids, our regular sitters are off on their own (much deserved) vacation. I did a google search and found another sitter who lives really close by. And they seem to have a thriving business with over 150 clients that they sit for. Seriously, whenever I think of walking dogs and playing with animals all day versus my own job, it gives me pause. Why didn't I think of that first???? So anyway, Heather, the owner, came by to meet the cats and check out the routine and locations of food/litter/water and stuff. I was really impressed. The main thing was that even Vixen, our most skittish cat seemed to like her. Vixen tends to run and hide whenever somebody new comes over. Sometimes she finds any disruption of her daily routine a good reason to hide under a bed for hours....for months when we brought Samantha and her new kittens into the household. But she let Heather bend down and pet her, and Vixen stayed fairly calm and chilled out like it was no big deal....so....yeah. I feel pretty good about that. I think this is going to work out well. Plus, it never hurts to have plenty of options when you have pets.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Bits and Pieces
Once again, nothing too exciting to report. We have been having some nice warm weather for the past few days. It got up to 80 degrees here yesterday. I draw the line at that. Anything OVER 80 starts to be HOT. I am thrilled to see spring, but I also hope these temps are not indicative of another brutal summer. Nope, not gonna think about that just yet.
I have spent my day cleaning out some closets and getting rid of clothes we no longer wear. No matter how much I clean out, seems like there is still MORE. Where does it come from? How does stuff accumulate? And why do I still have trouble getting rid of a shirt that I haven't worn in ages? There is some strange feeling in the back of my mind that one day I may NEED it. I am trying to be more aggressive with what goes into the giveaway pile. Clothes are replaceable. Not that I would get rid of anything that we still wear, but the other stuff, the stuff that has been hiding in a closet unworn for several years....that stuff needs to go.
The enclosed courtyard is working out really well for the cats. Its been a week and so far no cat has figured out a way to escape. The only problem we are having now is that Bitty wants to go in and out all day long. She isn't inside for more than a couple of minutes before she is crying to go back out again. I know they enjoy it but hopefully the novelty will wear off so that once a day or so will be enough. I am tired of opening and closing that door.
The most exciting thing to happen this past week? I bought our plane tickets to visit Stephen and Hannia in May. Now that is something I am looking forward to. I haven't seen them since Christmas and that is just waaaayyy too long.
I have spent my day cleaning out some closets and getting rid of clothes we no longer wear. No matter how much I clean out, seems like there is still MORE. Where does it come from? How does stuff accumulate? And why do I still have trouble getting rid of a shirt that I haven't worn in ages? There is some strange feeling in the back of my mind that one day I may NEED it. I am trying to be more aggressive with what goes into the giveaway pile. Clothes are replaceable. Not that I would get rid of anything that we still wear, but the other stuff, the stuff that has been hiding in a closet unworn for several years....that stuff needs to go.
The enclosed courtyard is working out really well for the cats. Its been a week and so far no cat has figured out a way to escape. The only problem we are having now is that Bitty wants to go in and out all day long. She isn't inside for more than a couple of minutes before she is crying to go back out again. I know they enjoy it but hopefully the novelty will wear off so that once a day or so will be enough. I am tired of opening and closing that door.
The most exciting thing to happen this past week? I bought our plane tickets to visit Stephen and Hannia in May. Now that is something I am looking forward to. I haven't seen them since Christmas and that is just waaaayyy too long.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Beware the Ides of March
I totally forgot it was the Ides of March today until Erica sent me a text about it. My family is mocking me. You see, we rented and watched the entire series of "Rome". I feel in love with it. I enjoyed it so much that I felt a deep sense of loss when it was over. But the funny/strange part was in season 1. I KNOW Roman history. I absolutely do. I understand the Ides of March, and how it was once a holiday and later became associated with doom and foreboding due to the murder of Julius Caesar on March 15th. Knowing that you would THINK I would have been a bit more prepared for Julius Caesar to actually DIE in the series. But for some reason the whole scene traumatized me to no end. The man who played the character of Caesar was really good and very impressive and I just wanted to go on and on watching him. When the senators stabbed him mercilessly I was stunned, horrified and sad beyond belief. I almost stopped watching it, but luckily I got over it enough to finish up the series as much as there was.
Apparently the show was wildly popular. It was impeccably done, and followed history as closely as possible. It would be a fantastic way to teach history to children because you become so much more invested in what is happening when you see it played out like that. Of course, Rome has way too much sex and violence for children. The sad thing was that there were only 2 seasons because it was just way too expensive to film. The authentic costumes and sets, the hoards of people for the scenes in villages....it was a tv show spending money like an epic movie. It couldn't sustain itself. And that is a real shame.
Oh Julius Caesar, your death broke my heart......
Apparently the show was wildly popular. It was impeccably done, and followed history as closely as possible. It would be a fantastic way to teach history to children because you become so much more invested in what is happening when you see it played out like that. Of course, Rome has way too much sex and violence for children. The sad thing was that there were only 2 seasons because it was just way too expensive to film. The authentic costumes and sets, the hoards of people for the scenes in villages....it was a tv show spending money like an epic movie. It couldn't sustain itself. And that is a real shame.
Oh Julius Caesar, your death broke my heart......
Monday, March 14, 2011
Nothing much
Nothing much is going on around here. I wrote a ranting post about work and then thought better of it so I removed it. I was upset, and frustrated but I also know its not a good idea to post job complaints on a public forum. Thank God for the magic "delete" button, right?
Besides that we are just working and trying to get some things done here around the home front. Bruce built the cat enclosure this weekend, so all the kitties can go outside into the courtyard, enjoy the sunshine and still be safe. Its not fancy and it won't appear in an edition of Better Homes and Gardens anytime soon, but it does the trick. They spent the first day trying to figure out how to escape, but now they seem to have settled in. They watch whats going on outside of the netting, but don't seem inclined to get out. I probably won't leave them out there if nobody is at home, because 2 of the cats want back in after a short time. But when we are here around the house it gives them something new and interesting to do.
Stephen and Hannia spent the weekend in Chicago taking a belated birthday getaway. I talked to Stephen last night and he wasn't all that thrilled with it. They had a hard time figuring out the Metro because apparently they don't have it labeled or mapped out as well as New York or DC. Instead they ended up walking a whole lot and got really tired. Everything was crowded and had long lines. But then again, Stephen also said that they were hitting up the really touristy places and it might be different if they could figure out more about the city and avoid the worst of the crowds. I am sad they didn't enjoy it more but maybe they will get more time there to figure it all out. At least it was a couple of days away to see something different.
I have today off, having worked Saturday again. I have some errands to run but what I really want to do is clean out my closet. I do it twice a year, spring and fall, without fail. I am ready to put away the winter clothes and get all of my summer stuff out and ready to wear. Of course, we have only had a couple of warm days so far, so I think I am jumping the gun on this one. I probably need to wait until at least mid-April to put away all of my warm clothes. Still, being anxious to be free from dark cold days, I might at least go stash away the heavy sweaters. I don't care how chilly it is, I refuse to wear a heavy wooly thing in the spring. And in my book, if its daylight savings time then that means spring has sprung.
Hope you all have a wonderful sunny week ahead.
Besides that we are just working and trying to get some things done here around the home front. Bruce built the cat enclosure this weekend, so all the kitties can go outside into the courtyard, enjoy the sunshine and still be safe. Its not fancy and it won't appear in an edition of Better Homes and Gardens anytime soon, but it does the trick. They spent the first day trying to figure out how to escape, but now they seem to have settled in. They watch whats going on outside of the netting, but don't seem inclined to get out. I probably won't leave them out there if nobody is at home, because 2 of the cats want back in after a short time. But when we are here around the house it gives them something new and interesting to do.
Stephen and Hannia spent the weekend in Chicago taking a belated birthday getaway. I talked to Stephen last night and he wasn't all that thrilled with it. They had a hard time figuring out the Metro because apparently they don't have it labeled or mapped out as well as New York or DC. Instead they ended up walking a whole lot and got really tired. Everything was crowded and had long lines. But then again, Stephen also said that they were hitting up the really touristy places and it might be different if they could figure out more about the city and avoid the worst of the crowds. I am sad they didn't enjoy it more but maybe they will get more time there to figure it all out. At least it was a couple of days away to see something different.
I have today off, having worked Saturday again. I have some errands to run but what I really want to do is clean out my closet. I do it twice a year, spring and fall, without fail. I am ready to put away the winter clothes and get all of my summer stuff out and ready to wear. Of course, we have only had a couple of warm days so far, so I think I am jumping the gun on this one. I probably need to wait until at least mid-April to put away all of my warm clothes. Still, being anxious to be free from dark cold days, I might at least go stash away the heavy sweaters. I don't care how chilly it is, I refuse to wear a heavy wooly thing in the spring. And in my book, if its daylight savings time then that means spring has sprung.
Hope you all have a wonderful sunny week ahead.
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